When it comes to how to ship a car to another state, confusion is common — and so are the myths. From exaggerated pricing fears to doubts about safety or reliability, misinformation spreads fast online. As a result, many people delay transporting their vehicles, make costly decisions, or choose less-than-reputable carriers based on false assumptions.
But here’s the truth: shipping a car from state to state can be simple, affordable, and secure — if you know what to expect. The car shipping industry has evolved significantly, offering better technology, faster delivery options, and federally regulated protections for consumers. Yet myths persist, and these misconceptions can hurt your wallet or even your vehicle if you’re not informed.
In this guide, we’re setting the record straight. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or helping a family member move, we’ll break down the most common myths about out of state car transport and explain what’s really true. We’ll also provide real examples, industry-backed data, and tips that will help you make smarter, safer decisions.
Summary
Shipping a Car Is More Expensive Than Driving It
One of the most common misconceptions is that driving your vehicle across state lines is cheaper than hiring a professional transport company. At first glance, it seems logical — you avoid paying a carrier, right? But when you break down the actual numbers, shipping a car is often more cost-effective than doing it yourself.
Let’s compare:
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Fuel Costs: With gas prices averaging $3.60 per gallon nationwide (source: AAA), a 1,200-mile trip can easily cost over $200 in fuel alone for an average sedan.
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Lodging & Meals: For long distances, you’ll likely need to stay overnight — which adds another $100–$250 per day in hotel and food expenses.
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Time Off Work: Taking time off from your job to drive can cost you income — and your time has value.
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Wear and Tear: A long road trip adds miles to your car, increases depreciation, and can result in post-trip maintenance like oil changes, tire replacements, or brake servicing.
By contrast, the cost of shipping a car to another state often ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs. enclosed), and seasonality. Considering all the hidden costs of a DIY move, shipping isn’t just a convenience — it can be the financially smarter choice.
Want to see what shipping would actually cost for your vehicle and route? Get a quote here.
Car Shipping Companies Aren’t Trustworthy
A major roadblock for many people considering vehicle transport is trust. It’s easy to assume that handing over your car — one of your most valuable possessions — to a shipping company is a risky move. But the idea that most car shipping companies are untrustworthy simply doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
Here’s the truth:
Legitimate auto transport companies in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This means they must be licensed, bonded, and insured. You can (and should) verify a company’s DOT number and operating authority through the FMCSA website.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
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No DOT/MC number listed on their website
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Demanding large upfront deposits
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Lack of physical address or company history
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Vague or overly generic contract terms
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Poor or inconsistent online reviews
Trust the Process:
Reputable companies are transparent about pricing, insurance coverage, and timelines. They’ll also provide vehicle transport insurance that covers damage in transit. And if you use a top-rated broker, they’ll vet carriers on your behalf — ensuring compliance, safety scores, and reliability.
According to a 2024 Transport Reviews industry report, over 92% of auto transport customers report successful deliveries without incident — a number that continues to climb as the industry becomes more regulated and customer-focused.
Tip: Always research reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Transport Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before booking.
Car Shipping Takes Too Long
Many people believe that shipping a car from one state to another is a slow and uncertain process — but that’s far from reality. While delays can occasionally happen (due to weather, traffic, or scheduling), most car shipments are completed within 1–7 business days, depending on distance and delivery type.
What Affects Delivery Time?
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Distance: Shorter routes (e.g., from Georgia to Florida) may take just 1–3 days, while coast-to-coast trips (like California to New York) can take 5–7 days.
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Route Popularity: Heavily traveled corridors tend to be faster because they attract more carriers.
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Seasonal Demand: Snowbird season (fall/winter) and holidays can create temporary backlogs.
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Pickup Window: Standard shipping offers a 1–5 day pickup window, but expedited service narrows this to as little as 24 hours for an additional fee.
Reality Check: It’s Faster Than DIY in Many Cases
Think about it: If you’re moving a car across multiple states, you’ll likely need a couple of days just to drive — plus time for rest, fuel, and hotel stops. Meanwhile, a licensed carrier can load your car, hit the highway, and deliver without stopping for sightseeing or sleep.
Out of state car transport is designed to be both efficient and predictable. Most transport companies offer GPS tracking, dispatch updates, and estimated delivery windows so you’re never left wondering where your vehicle is.
Want your car picked up in 1 day? Ask us about expedited car transport options here.
Your Car Isn’t Safe During Transport
One of the most persistent fears about auto shipping is that your vehicle will be damaged or mishandled during transit. While no transport method is 100% risk-free, the belief that car shipping is unsafe is largely a myth — especially when you book with a licensed and insured carrier.
Safety Is the Industry Standard
Carriers are required to follow strict Department of Transportation (DOT) and FMCSA safety regulations. This includes mandatory vehicle inspections before and after transport, proper tie-down procedures, and adherence to weight limits and load protocols.
Insurance Comes Built-In
Every professional carrier must carry vehicle transport insurance. This means if your car is damaged during transport (which is rare), it’s covered. You can — and should — ask for a copy of the insurance certificate before booking. Additionally, some customers opt to add their own gap coverage for extra peace of mind.
Open vs. Enclosed: What’s Safer?
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Open car carriers (more common and affordable) expose your car to the elements — similar to driving it yourself — but still have a high safety record.
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Enclosed car carriers offer added protection from weather, road debris, and dust, making them ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.
📊 Stat to Know: According to industry data, less than 5% of vehicles shipped suffer any damage, and most of that is minor (e.g., paint chips or scuffs).
In short, when you ship with a vetted carrier, your vehicle is often safer on a transport truck than it would be on the highway over hundreds of miles.
Only Luxury Cars Are Shipped
It’s easy to assume that auto transport is a premium service reserved for high-end vehicles — like exotic cars or collector classics. But in reality, most people who ship a car to another state are moving standard, everyday vehicles.
Who’s Actually Shipping Cars?
The majority of vehicle shipments in the U.S. are for:
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People relocating for work or family
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College students sending a car to or from school
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Military families receiving reassignments
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Online car buyers (especially from out-of-state dealers)
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Snowbirds moving between seasonal homes
These customers are shipping Toyotas, Hondas, Fords, Chevys, and other mid-range makes — not just Porsches or Lamborghinis.
Car Shipping Is for Everyone
Thanks to competitive pricing and widespread demand, car shipping is now more accessible than ever. Whether you’re moving a 10-year-old sedan or a brand-new EV, there are options for every budget and timeline.
Even open carriers — the most affordable option — are designed to accommodate everything from compact cars to SUVs and pickup trucks. It’s about convenience, not luxury.
📈 Industry Insight: According to Montway Auto Transport, over 80% of all vehicles shipped in 2024 were standard makes and models under $40,000 in value.
So no, you don’t need a rare or expensive vehicle to justify transport. You just need the desire to move your car safely and efficiently from one state to another — and that applies to millions of Americans every year.
It’s Better to Wait Until the Last Minute to Book
A surprising number of people believe that waiting until the last minute to book auto transport will either save money or guarantee faster pickup. In reality, delaying your booking can lead to higher costs, fewer options, and longer wait times.
Why Early Booking Pays Off:
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Better Rates: When you book early, carriers can plan routes more efficiently, which means lower pricing for you. Last-minute bookings often come with a premium.
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More Carrier Options: Early planning gives you access to more qualified carriers — especially those with solid reviews, insurance coverage, and availability in your desired timeframe.
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Peak Season Demand: During busy periods (summer moves, snowbird seasons, end-of-month), demand spikes and available carriers get booked quickly.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Ideally, book 7–10 days in advance of your desired pickup date. This allows time to coordinate scheduling, assign the right carrier, and adjust for any route-specific delays or weather concerns. For expedited shipments, booking at least 2–4 days in advance is still better than same-day requests.
📊 Cost Insight: On average, customers who book 7+ days in advance pay 10–20% less than those who request same-day or next-day pickups.
Whether you’re relocating, selling a car, or transporting a vehicle you just bought out of state, planning ahead will always get you better results — and more peace of mind.